Month: April 2026

Asha Bhosle, one of the most iconic and versatile voices in Indian music history, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema and music for over eight decades. She was 92.

Dr Pratit Samdani at Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the demise of the legendary singer.

“Asha Bhosale breathed her last today in Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure,” Dr Samdani said.

She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection.

The veteran singer’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, had earlier confirmed her hospitalisation through a social media statement, requesting privacy for the family. “My grandmother, Asha Bhosle, due to extreme exhaustion and suffering a chest infection, has been admitted to hospital… Treatment is ongoing and hopefully everything will be well,” she had said.

Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age, rising to prominence in the 1950s and eventually becoming one of the most celebrated playback singers in the world. Her voice- playful, emotive, and endlessly adaptable- defined generations of music lovers across India and beyond.

Over the course of her extraordinary career, Bhosle recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, lending her voice to a wide range of genres from classical and ghazals to cabaret, pop, and folk.

Her collaborations with leading composers and filmmakers produced some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema, making her an enduring cultural icon.

Her achievements were recognised with numerous honours, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

In 2011, she was acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the most-recorded artist in music history.

Even in her later years, Bhosle remained connected to music, performing occasionally and inspiring younger generations of artists. Her influence extended far beyond playback singing, shaping trends and redefining the role of a female voice in Indian music.

Asha Bhosle’s versatility is legendary, spanning soulful ghazals like Dil Cheez Kya Hai to sultry hits like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja. Her mastery shines in the haunting Mera Kuchh Saaman and the playful Chura Liya Hai Tumne. From folk-inspired melodies to pop, her voice remains India’s ultimate musical kaleidoscope.

News of her demise has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with fans, artists, and public figures expressing their condolences and remembering her unparalleled contribution to Indian music. (ANI)

The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine has commenced at Sawli (near Ghansoli) in Mumbai at a depth of 39 meters below ground as part of the work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, officials said. This TBM (tunnel boring machine) will begin its journey from Sawli towards Vikhroli.

The gantry, weighing 190 metric tons, having a length of 18 meters, 10 meters in width and 9 meters in height was lowered on Saturday.

There are four gantries in both the TBMs, which will be attached to the main shield assembly and utterhead.

The gantries will travel the complete excavated length while supporting the critical operations such as excavation, waterproofing, tunnel lining segment installation, officials said.

Due to the space restrictions in the Sawli shaft, assembly of the TBM at 39 meters below ground has been meticulously planned.

TBMs initial drive is expected to commence in July 2026.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Japan government. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Entire land (1389.5 Ha.) for the MAHSR project has been acquired. All Statutory Clearances have been obtained. All 1651 utilities have been shifted.

Officials said that delay in land acquisition in the State of Maharashtra has impacted the project till 2021. The land acquisition picked up in 2022 in Maharashtra, they said. (ANI)

After hours of negotiations in Pakistan between US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is a “bad news for Iran” than it is for the United States.

Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said that during the negotiations that took place for 21 hours, several substantial discussions were held however, no conclusions were reached.

“We’ve had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America.”

“We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement”, Vance said.

He underlined that while the US made it clear what its red lines were and the issues it was willing to accommodate, Iran, however, “chose not to accept our terms”.

Responding to the media, Vance reiterated that Washington had sought an affirmative commitment from Tehran not to seek nuclear weapons and the tools to achieve it.

He added, “We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept opur terms.”

He said that while the US had been very “flexible and accommodating”, the talks could not make a headway.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal- a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

During the presser, Vance noted that he spoke with President Donald Trump “consistently”, along with several other top US officials throughout the negotiations, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command.

“We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith,” Vance said.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that the marathon talks covered issues including the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program, as per Iran’s foreign ministry.

The key announcement by the US Vice-President comes after marathon discussions took place in Islamabad. (ANI)

The death toll in the Katihar road accident has risen to 13 following a collision between a bus and a pickup vehicle near Gerabari under the Korha police station area, officials said on Saturday.

The District Magistrate of Katihar confirmed the fatalities and said compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with injured persons receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced ex gratia assistance for the victims’ families.

In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, “The tragic loss of lives in the horrific road accident in the Kodha police station area of Katihar district is heartbreaking. Deep condolences to the bereaved families. The dependents of the deceased will be provided with ex-gratia assistance of ₹2-2 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the injured will receive ₹50-50 thousand each. Senior officials have reached the accident site and are carrying out relief and rescue operations. Instructions have been issued to ensure proper treatment for the injured. Wishing them a speedy recovery.”

Katihar District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi said that multiple victims were rushed for treatment following the collision.

“A tragic accident happened after a bus and a pickup vehicle collided near Gerabari. 10 bodies of the people who died in the accident were brought here, and the 23 injured people have been sent for treatment. Most of the deceased victims belong to Purnea. Out of the 23 injured people who were sent for treatment, 3 have died, and one of them belonged to Katihar. All the victims have been granted ex-gratia by the Prime Minister,” he said.

He further noted that ex gratia assistance has been sanctioned for the victims as per government provisions.

Meanwhile, Katihar Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary said the incident is deeply tragic and confirmed that around 13 people have died, while nearly 27 injured persons are undergoing treatment in Purnia.

“The accident occurred following a collision between a bus and a pickup truck, wherein the bus lost control. An FIR regarding the accident is being registered in this matter, and post-mortem examinations are being conducted. The bus driver also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims,” he said.

The collision occurred near Gerabari under the jurisdiction of the Korha Police Station, leading to an immediate rescue operation by local authorities and police personnel.”

Today, on April 11, 2026, a horrific road accident occurred near Gerabari within the jurisdiction of the Korha Police Station in Katihar District involving a bus and a pickup vehicle. 10 individuals have lost their lives in this incident so far. Approximately 25 individuals injured in the accident are being transferred to nearby hospitals for advanced medical care following the administration of first aid,” Katihar police said. (ANI)

Two rounds of negotiations between Iranian and United States officials have taken place in Islamabad, with a third round expected later on Saturday evening or Sunday, according to Iranian state television, as discussions continue amid ongoing diplomatic engagements.

As reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the negotiations remain ongoing, indicating sustained engagement between both sides.

“According to information provided to the state TV correspondent by a person close to the negotiating team, another round of negotiations will likely be held tonight or tomorrow,” state broadcaster IRIB reported.

Meanwhile, trilateral ceasefire talks involving the United States, Iran and Pakistan have also commenced in Islamabad, with Pakistan hosting the in-person discussions, a senior White House official said on Saturday. The development marks the highest-level engagement between Washington and Tehran since the Iranian Revolution, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated his commitment to the negotiation process, stating that the Iranian delegation would “negotiate bravely” while prioritising national interests.

In the statement shared via a post on X, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its citizens, regardless of the diplomatic developments in Islamabad.

“In any case, our service to the people will not stop for a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the government will stand by the people,” he wrote, highlighting the administration’s focus on domestic stability alongside international diplomacy.

Furthermore, in a post on X, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi reposted a message from the Iranian President, stating that the delegation is “wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding Iran’s interests and will negotiate courageously in that regard.”

The embassy’s statement further emphasised the government’s dedication to domestic stability regardless of the diplomatic process, noting, “In any case, our service to the people will not pause for even a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the government stands firmly with the people.”

In a separate development, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnasser Hemmati met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the ongoing discussions, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a post on X, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Dr. Abdolnasser Hemmati, called on Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today, on the sidelines of the #IslamabadTalks.”

According to the ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening dialogue and regional cooperation, with both sides highlighting the importance of peace and stability for economic progress and shared development.

The X post added, “Both sides emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and noted that peace and stability in the region remain essential for economic cooperation and shared progress.”

Additionally, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagements. (ANI)

One of Bollywood’s most cherished on-screen pair, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ has found a place in The Academy’s list of favourite romantic films.

In a social media post, The Academy shared a list of favourites, showing DDLJ joining the likes of ‘You, Me & Tuscany’, ‘The Holiday’, and ‘Eat Pray Love’.

The nod quickly caught the attention of none other than Kajol, who posted a brief yet playful response to it.

“I vote for DDLJ,” Kajol wrote.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, ‘DDLJ’ was released in 1995 and went on to become one of India’s biggest hits.

The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles.

The story revolves around Raj and Simran, two characters who meet and fall in love during a trip to Europe. However, there are cultural and familial barriers to their relationship, leading to a classic tale of love, tradition, and the importance of family values.

SRK and Kajol were recently present in London to unveil a bronze statue of their legendary characters.

The bronze statue becomes the first-ever Indian film to be honoured with a statue in Leicester Square, London and joins iconic characters from historic films, including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin’ in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.

The bronze statue depicted Shah Rukh and Kajol in a signature pose from the film. And SRK-Kajol re-created that pose during the event.

Speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan said, “DDLJ was made with a pure heart. We wanted to tell a story about love, how it can bridge barriers and how the world would be a better place if it had a lot of love in it, and I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now! Personally, DDLJ is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released.”

Kajol, reflecting on what this honour means to her, said, “It’s incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history – a story that has truly travelled across generations.” (ANI)

Music legend Asha Bhosle has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, the singer’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, confirmed.

Confirming Asha Bhosle’s hospitalisation on social media, Zanai shared that the singer is currently undergoing treatment.

“My grandmother, Asha Bhosle due to extreme exhaustion and suffering a chest infection has been admitted to hospital and we request you to value our privacy. Treatment is ongoing and hopefully everything will be well and we shall update you positively,” she wrote.

Asha Bhosle was admitted to the Mumbai hospital on Saturday evening. As soon as the news came out, fans rushed to share their concerns for her and prayed for the singer’s quick recovery.

Further details on her health condition are yet to be disclosed.

Asha Bhosle is one of the most celebrated playback singers in Indian music history. She is known for a career that has lasted more than eight decades and for lending her voice to songs in several Indian languages.

Over the years, she has recorded songs for films, private albums, and given live performances in India and abroad. Her contribution to music has earned her several honours and awards.

The legendary singer has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She was bestowed Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2008.

Her journey in music began in 1943, and she went on to become one of the most successful singers in Hindi cinema. In 2011, the Guinness Book of World Records recognised her as the most-recorded artist in music history. (ANI)

A sensational century from Sanju Samson and a four-wicket haul from Jamie Overton were the highlights as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 23 runs at Chepauk Stadium on Saturday.

Finally, CSK have got their first win of the season, breaking their six-match losing streak at home. Put to bat first by DC, Samson (115* in 56 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Ayush Mhatre (59 in 36 balls, with three fours and four sixes) took CSK to 212/2 in 20 overs. In chase, Pathum Nissanka (41 in 24 balls, with five fours and two sixes) put on a 62-run stand with KL Rahul, and Tristan Stubbs scored a valiant 30-ball 60, but that was pretty much it from DC as a batting team, as Overton (4/18) and Kamboj (3/35) took wickets regularly.

CSK is at the ninth spot, with a win and three losses. DC is in fourth spot, with two wins and two losses.

In the run-chase of 213 runs, Pathum Nissanka started on a promising note, smoking Khaleel Ahmed for 16 runs in the second over, with two fours and a six.

KL Rahul collected a four and a six against spinner Akael Hosein in the third over, while Anshul Kamboj leaked 16 runs in his first over, courtesy a four each from Nissanka-KL and a six over deep mid-wicket by Nissanka. DC reached the 50-run mark in 3.5 overs.

It was Khaleel’s left-arm pace which ended the 61-run stand, removing KL for a 10-ball 18. DC was 61/1 in five overs. Two balls later, it was Kamboj who removed Nissanka for a strong 24-ball 41, with five fours and two sixes. DC was 61/2 in 5.2 overs.

Wickets kept falling for DC as pacer Gurjanpreet Singh got Axar Patel (1) on his first IPL ball, and Sameer Rizvi was dismissed by Jamie Overton for a nine-ball six. DC was 76/4 in eight overs.

Halfway through, DC was 91/4, with David Miller and Tristan Stubbs, two South Africans out there. The 11th over by Noor Ahmed leaked 15 runs, courtesy a four and a six from Miller, bringing DC’s 100-run mark in 10.5 overs. Just when the duo were looking to take off, Overton cleaned up Miller for a 14-ball 17, leaving DC down at 121/5 in 12.2 overs.

Stubbs was left staring at the fall of wickets as Ashutosh Sharma perished after a 10-ball 19, with a four and two sixes to Noor. DC was 149/6 in 14.5 overs. Courtesy of a boundary from Aquib Nabi, DC reached their 150-run mark in 15 overs.

Overton took his third, removing Aquib for just four, courtesy a stunning falling catch from Hosein, reducing DC to 154/7 in 15.4 overs.

Stubbs kept collecting boundaries against pace, reaching his fifty in 30 balls, with two fours and three sixes. He kept DC in the equation, needing 32 in the final two overs, with Kuldeep Yadav at the other end.

Overton took his fourth, removing Stubbs for 60 in 30 balls, four boundaries and three sixes. DC was 183/8 in 18.3 overs.

Kuldeep tried to go aerial, but fell to Kamboj with a fine catch from Brevis. DC ended their run chase at 189 all out on the final ball.

Overton (4/18) and Kamboj (3/35) were the pick of the bowlers for CSK.

Riding on a memorable unbeaten century from Sanju Samson and a strong supporting knock from Ayush Mhatre, CSK piled up a commanding total of 212/2 in 20 overs, putting Delhi Capitals under immediate pressure in the high-scoring encounter.

After being asked to bat, CSK got off to a confident start with Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening the innings. The duo together scored 27/0 after three overs. After the end of the power play, the Super Kings got to 61/0, with Samson playing as an aggressor.

During the second ball of the seventh over, CSK skipper Gaikwad gave Delhi Capitals a much-needed breakthrough through Axar Patel, departing for a sluggish 15 in 18 balls, with one four, ending a 62-run stand. However, the dismissal did little to slow down CSK’s momentum as Sanju Samson took complete control of the innings with a commanding display of strokeplay.

During the ninth over. The right-handed batter Samson completed his half-century in 26 deliveries, with nine fours. After the end of the 10th over, the Super Kings reached 88/1.

CSK reached the 100-run mark in 10.4 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav was then smashed for 16 runs, a six each from Ayush Mhatre and Samson as the Super Kings raced to 119/1 after the end of the 12th over. Ayush Mhatre, who was supporting Samson from the other end, completed his well-deserved fifty in 27 balls, with three fours and four sixes. It was also Mhatre’s third half-century in the cash-rich league.

Samson-Mhatre kept the scoreboard ticking with clean hitting as the Super Kings reached a commanding position at 160/1 after the end of the 15th over. Sanju Samson also completed 400 sixes in T20s and became the fourth Indian to reach it after Rohit (554), Kohli (441), and Suryakumar (442). Mhatre smoked T Natrajan for two sixes, and Samson unleashed a boundary in the 15th over, looting 19 runs.

During the fifth ball of the 18th over, Samson completed his fourth IPL century and the first in CSK’s jersey. The right-handed batter achieved the glorious landmark in 52 deliveries, with 14 fours and three sixes. Samson’s hundred was the second by a CSK batter against DC in IPL after Murali Vijay’s 113 (58) at the same venue in the 2012 qualifying match.

Mhatre, on the other hand, retired after playing a fantastic knock of 36-ball 59, with three fours and four sixes.

Mhatre provided solid support at the other end, playing a crucial hand in building partnerships during the middle overs before CSK pushed towards a dominant position. The duo ensured that Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack, featuring the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, and Lungi Ngidi, was unable to find sustained control in the middle phase.

Towards the end, Samson remained unbeaten on 115 off 56 deliveries, including 15 fours and four sixes. Shivam Dube stayed not out at 10-ball 20, with two fours and one six against Ngidi and Mukesh as CSK posted a commanding score of 212/2 in 20 overs. For the Delhi Capitals, captain Axar Patel took one wicket.

Brief Scores: CSK: 212/2 (Sanju Samson 115*, Ayush Mhatre 59, Axar Patel 1/39) beat DC: 189 (Tristan Stubbs 60, Pathum Nissanka 41, Jamie Overton 4/18). (ANI)